TV comedian Simon Brodkin was wrestled to the ground by a police community support officer when a prank staged for his DVD signing session backfired.

Brodkin, in character as his south London tearaway alter ego Lee Nelson, pretended to steal a copy of the DVD at HMV in Oxford Street. An actor dressed as a police officer chased him around in the store but when they ran outside into last night’s rush-hour crowds, the genuine community support officer thought it was a real theft and pitched in.

He tried to help the fake Pc arrest Brodkin and the three men struggled on the ground before the PCSO could be convinced to come into the store for an explanation. A spokesman for Brodkin, 35 — who has his own BBC3 slot, Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show — said: “Shoppers were looking on and buses were stopping. It was all very dramatic.”

The Met said: “The PCSO soon realised the man had not stolen the items and no further action was taken.” Some bystanders failed to see the funny side. Richard Hampshire, 67, called it a “cheap stunt”, adding: “It was completely irresponsible and quite distressing. A lot of people thought it was a real incident.”

HMV said the support officer “was a really good sport and was fine after we explained. If anyone was alarmed we’re sorry but most people there could see it was just a playful stunt.”